Indeed, the problem is the perception that mining is physically very demanding and low tech work. That may have been true in the past. There will always be very demanding professions. I for one would have been hard pressed to operate a jack hammer and drill support weighing 100 or 125 lbs.
However, major technological advances have been made over the last 20 to 30 years and these have radically changed the nature of the work and the physical effort demanded of mine workers.
You also mentioned the mortality rate. It has declined substantially. The mining sector no longer boasts one of the highest mortality rates among workers. However, you have raised an important point. This perception is an impediment to recruiting workers. Young people see the profession in a certain way, but this is truer still in the case of their parents, the ones who influence to a greater extent the choices young people make.
Our challenge is to provide educators, parents and young people with the real facts so that they can make enlightened choices.
I'm not saying that any one particular sector should be touted. I'm simply saying that we should tell it like it is so that young people know exactly what to expect. We're not denying that the job is physically demanding, but we're also saying that it is high tech work and mining operations once done underground are now being conducted above ground.